Cattleya at a Glance

When the average person thinks of an orchid, they think of a Cattleya. The “Queen of Orchids” has always been popular and is often the first orchid an individual experiences in the form of a corsage.OriginationThis New World genus originates in Central and South America with relatives extending into the Caribbean and even Florida. Today, the term Cattleya has come to include all hybrids made with closely related families such as Laelia and Encyclia, as well as Cattleyas themselves.

FlowersCattleya hybrids can have large or small flowers on large or small plants and come in nearly every color of the rainbow except for true blue.

​ClimateFortunately for us, most Cattleyas are adaptable and seem to prefer the same temperatures as we do. Cattleya prefer high humidity, 50% or higher, which may be difficult to provide in heated homes during the winter. Placing a water-filled tray of pebbles under the pot and an occasional misting can help satisfy the orchids’ needs.

Light RequirementsWithout sufficient light, Cattleya may continue to grow but not produce flowers. The leaves should be an even medium-green color. Dark green leaves are usually an indication that the plant is not receiving enough light. In northern climates, an east or west window can often provide adequate light for Cattleya. Be sure to watch out for possible sunburn spots on leaves. Whenever possible, summer orchids outdoors under a tree when all threat of frost is gone.

Watering RequirementsCattleya are best grown on a wet-to-dry cycle, that is, the plant is not watered until it is almost dry from the previous watering. Poking the tip of your finger into the potting medium will tell you whether the plant needs watering. More orchids are killed by too much water than too little. Remember orchids are air plants. Old, broken-down potting media will compact and hold too much moisture leading to rotting and breakdown of the root system.

Feeding RequirementsBoth Better-Gro® Orchid Plus® and Better-Gro® Better-Bloom® fertilizers are formulated specifically for orchids and provide nitrogen in a readily available form – NO urea nitrogen – as well as essential minor elements. For best results, use Better-Gro® Orchid Plus® weekly and Better-Gro® Better-Bloom® 2 to 3 months prior to expected bloom.

Re-pottingFor best growing results, keep orchids in a fresh growing media such as Better-Gro® Special OrchidTM Mix which is designed specifically for Cattleyas and other orchids with similar growth habit. An almost-dry pot should feel lighter than a just watered one and the potting medium will lose some of its springiness. Re-pot Cattleyas every 12 to 24 months. To learn more about re-potting orchids, watch our re-potting video.

In ConclusionCattleyas can be among the most rewarding orchids to grow, and they come in almost any size or color to suit your fancy. Although many of the species only bloom once a year, hybrids can bloom two or more times each year. Most Cattleyas also have the added appeal of a delicious fragrance. Succeed at blooming Cattleyas, and you will most certainly be hooked as an orchid grower.